Thomas Kretschmann joins "Avengers" sequel

Thomas Kretschmann has been cast as a villain in 'The Avengers: Age of Ultron'.

The actor - best known for his role as Abraham van Helsing in TV thriller 'Dracula' - will play a nefarious character in the upcoming superhero blockbuster from Joss Whedon, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Kretschmann has been cast as Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, a foe to both Chris Evans' Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D. leader Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson.

The character is expected to be a supporting villain in the hugely anticipated superhero sequel and could be a henchman to the lead villain, Ultron, played by James Spader.

In the Marvel comic books, Strucker is a former Nazi officer who becomes one of the leaders of HYDRA, a terrorist organisation that was featured in the first 'Captain America' movie in 2011.

Kretschmann has previously had roles in 'Wanted' with Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy and Peter Jackson's 'King Kong'.

The 51-year-old star joins a string of new actors joining the sequel to 2012's smash hit 'Avengers'. Fellow newcomers include Spader as titular villain Ultron and Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen as superpowered twins Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch.